Data storage device using an external reference pattern

ABSTRACT

New, more efficient and robust data storage devices, systems and techniques are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a new form of data storage device is provided, incorporating data storage cells, and a read/write device connected with an auxiliary structure. The auxiliary structure elaborates on the simpler data written in the data storage cells to generate more complex, complete and meaningful data. In some embodiments, the physical arrangement, or other attributes, of structural storage device elements serve as a patterned reference device for data enhancement and supplementation. In some embodiments, the data enhancement and supplementation results from one or more chemical and/or physical reactions, in a sequence of such reactions, between writeable domains, auxiliary structure or the simpler data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/808,361, filed Mar. 3, 2020, titled “Data Storage with Reference toan Auxiliary Pattern,” now U.S. Pat. No. 11,467,771, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/421,419,filed Jan. 31, 2017, titled “Data Elaboration by Domain Interaction withSurrounding Media Structures,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,579,292, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/216,337,filed Mar. 17, 2014, titled “Data Storage Devices Based onSupplementation,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,558,217, which claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/852,147, filed Mar. 15, 2013,titled “Computer Science Provisional I,” the entire contents of allwhich applications are hereby incorporated by reference into the presentapplication in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to computer memory hardware and systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Artificial methods of data storage have existed for millennia, dating atleast from the time of cave paintings and tallying by marking sticksapproximately 40,000 years ago. Systematic data storage usingstandardized symbols—for example, writing on clay tablets—dates at leastfrom Ancient Sumer in the third millennium B.C.E. More recently, datastorage using computers has arisen, now predominantly in a digitalformat involving the serial storage and retrieval of bits of data.

Data storage hardware currently varies depending on whether it is usedfor short-term or long-term functions, and a more or less volatile, fastor dense storage type may be used for those functions. Many seek auniversal memory device, fulfilling both long- and short-term functionsneeded for computing, to eliminate the cost of manufacturing multipledevices using different technology.

It should be understood that the disclosures in this application relatedto the background of the invention in, but not limited to, this sectiontitled “Background,” are to aid readers in comprehending the invention,and do not set forth prior art or other publicly known aspects affectingthe application; instead the disclosures in this application related tothe background of the invention comprise details of the inventor's owndiscoveries, work and work results, including aspects of the presentinvention. Nothing in the disclosures related to the background of theinvention is or should be construed as an admission related to prior artor the work of others prior to the conception or reduction to practiceof the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

New, more efficient and robust data storage devices and techniques areprovided. In some aspects of the invention, a new form of data storagedevice is provided, incorporating storage units with simple writeabledomains, and a readable conditioning structure positioned around theunits. The readable structure elaborates the simpler data written in thedomains to generate more complex and complete data sets. In someembodiments, the physical arrangement, or other attributes, ofstructural storage device elements may serve as the patterned referencedevice for data enhancement and supplementation.

In other aspects of the invention, a new supplementation-based media andsystem are provided. A local file and control system with general andspecific identification attributes and management-related programmingcomprises a data density distribution that varies depending on mediadepth (immediacy, probability of access, and other factors). A remotesupplementation source and control system are also provided in a commonnetwork (such as the internet) with the local control system. The localcontrol system reports local file attributes, authorization and factorsimpacting media depth in real time, and the supplementation sourceand/or control system deliver both permanent and streaming datacorrections, supplementation and format updates to the local controlsystem and/or a Consumption Feed.

In other aspects of the invention, specialized patterns in a referencemedia or file are used in a new technique for data storage. By definingand recording pattern matches and other comparisons with the referencemedia or file, new data can be stored more efficiently in some contextsthan with literal, bit-by-bit storage alone. In some embodiments, acontrol system comprising computer hardware builds a relational contextand comparison library between the reference media or file and newlyinput data, and stores new data at least in part based on itsrelationship to the reference media or file. These aspects may be usedin conjunction with the supplementation-based methods discussed above,to build a very storage-space-efficient data distribution, byprioritizing the storage of data by matches and other relationships tothe separate reference media or file. Devices implementing this designto store data require very little space, albeit with some incompletenessand inaccuracies absent supplementation, but which incompleteness andinaccuracies can be quickly completed and otherwise improved by theremote supplementation source and control system, and/or a conventionaldigital media data storage device.

The storage methods of the present invention may be used in a widevariety of data storage platforms, while generating short-, medium- andlong-term speed improvements and space efficiencies, but severalspecialized devices, optimizing the use of the methods, are alsoprovided. For example, in some aspects, the relative 3-dimensionalarrangement and orientation of storage elements itself provides a datapattern serving as a reference pattern or direct data storage technique.

Canons of Construction and Definitions

Where any term is set forth in a sentence, clause or statement(“statement”), each possible meaning, significance and/or sense of anyterm used in this application should be read as if separately,conjunctively and/or alternatively set forth in additional statements,as necessary to exhaust the possible meanings of each such term and eachsuch statement.

It should also be understood that, for convenience and readability, thisapplication may set forth particular pronouns and other linguisticqualifiers of various specific gender and number, but, where thisoccurs, all other logically possible gender and number alternativesshould also be read in as both conjunctive and alternative statements,as if equally, separately set forth therein.

“Media Depth,” in addition to its ordinary meaning and special meaningin the art to which it pertains, means, with respect to a data storagemedia or file aspect or a represented manifestation of such an aspect,the probability that the aspect or manifestation will be accessed orrequired for use, or the imminence of the aspect or manifestation beingaccessed or required for use, or both the probability and imminence ofthe aspect or manifestation being accessed or required, each of whichmay be weighted or otherwise included in a function along with otherfactors, including but not limited to the proximity and status of otherrelated media, file(s), manifestations, or other computing aspects, andan assessed cost of failed or incomplete access or availability of themedia aspect.

“Consumption Feed,” in addition to its ordinary meaning and specialmeaning in the art to which it pertains, means content or a stream ofcontent, including but not limited to video, audio, documentary or othercontent from media, delivered or otherwise manifested in a form for useby a user.

“Manifestation Unit,” in addition to its ordinary meaning and specialmeaning in the art to which it pertains, means a unit of content orother data being used, including but not limited to video, audio,documentary or other content from media, requiring a given contentdelivery system resource unit, such as a unit of time or processorpower, to deliver for consumption or other use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of some elements of an exemplarysupplementation system for data storage and distribution in accordancewith aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of parts of data storage hardware elements witherror-eliminating cross-checking sub-elements, in accordance withaspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a graph depicting an exemplary density distribution of storeddata corresponding with final output measures for a computer data file,as a function of the Media Depth, according to aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram depicting exemplary steps that may becarried out by a control system, or combination of control systems,implementing exemplary programming, methodology and other aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary series of increasingly large and complexpatterns, as may be included in a reference media device or file usedfor facilitating data storage and access, in accordance with aspects ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary random pattern of magnetic bubble memorydomains, as may be present in a reference media device or file used forfacilitating data storage and access, in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary series of increasingly large and complexpatterns of magnetic bubble memory domains, as may be included in areference media device or file used for facilitating data storage andaccess, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts another exemplary random pattern of a reference mediadevice or file used for facilitating data storage and access, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a portion of view 8 described in FIG. 8 , above, enlarged formagnification purposes, and showing a random small-scale pattern with nofurther structure than that depicted in FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is a portion of view 9 described in FIG. 8 , above, enlarged formagnification purposes, and showing a non-random small-scale patternwith an embedded structure of greater complexity than that viewable inFIG. 8 .

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary random sequence of binary digits, such asthe examples shown as, as may be present in a reference media device orfile used for facilitating data storage and access, in accordance withaspects of the present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts a non-random image of a reference media device or fileused for facilitating data storage and access, in accordance withaspects of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a portion of view 13 described in FIG. 12 , above, enlargedfor magnification purposes, and showing a random small-scale patternwith no further structure than that depicted in FIG. 12 .

FIG. 14 is a portion of view 14 described in FIG. 12 , above, enlargedfor magnification purposes, and showing a non-random small-scale patternwith an embedded structure of greater complexity than that viewable inFIG. 12 .

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of some elements of an exemplarycontrol system that may be used in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective drawing, depicting aspects of an exemplary datastorage medium, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a top view of an exemplary storage unit, and a surroundingconditioning structure, of the exemplary data storage medium set forthin FIG. 16 , above.

FIG. 18 is a process flow diagram depicting exemplary steps that may becarried out by a control system, or combination of control systems,implementing exemplary data elaboration programming, methodology andother aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a process flow diagram depicting exemplary steps that may becarried out by a control system, or combination of control systems,implementing exemplary programming, methodology and other aspects of thepresent invention related to providing an upgraded experience of legacycontent to a user.

FIG. 20 is a drawing of an example data storage medium (such as arecording disc) being read by a reading and writing device, comprisingan auxiliary structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of some elements of an exemplarysupplementation system 101 for data storage and distribution inaccordance with aspects of the present invention. A local control unit103, which may be or comprise a control system such as that set forth inreference to FIG. 15 , below, summons or implements a data file todeliver content to users of the local control unit 103. For example, auser may be using such a local control unit 103 as part of a smart TV orother computerized media console connected to the internet to receive aConsumption Feed 104, such as a movie presented on the media console.Local control unit 103 is connected to a local data storage device 106,such as a computer hard disk. As will be explained further in thisapplication, control unit 103 may present the consumption feed 104 to auser as a product of both: (1) a specialized local file designed forsupplementation and (2) supplementation from a remote source, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention. Such a specializedlocal file may be stored on local storage device 106. Local control unit103 is connected (for example, via an internet connection) to anothercontrol unit, namely remote control unit 105, which provides specializedsupplementation data in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention, for example, from a supplementation source 107, such as filesstored on a storage device connected with control unit 105.

First, as shown by data flow arrow 109, local control unit 103 may firstdetermine that a user has initiated a Consumption Feed related to thespecialized local file on local storage device 106 and sendidentification (and, in some embodiments, authorization) information toremote unit 105. In addition, local control unit 103 may send a sampleor a complete rendering of the data, or an initial set of data, to bemanifest or consumed in the Consumption Feed 104, to the extent thatthat data is available on the local file, in data flow 109. Remote unit105 may then verify the authentication and identification information,if provided by local unit 103 and, depending on that verification ifperformed, analyze and evaluate the sample or other data provided bylocal unit 103. As part of that analytical and evaluation process,remote unit 105 may determine that parts or other aspects of the dataprovided are inaccurate, incomplete, or subject to improvements or otherupdates. If so, remote unit 105 then completes the missing or otherwiseneeded data by sending a data supplementation stream, for example, suchas that depicted by data flow arrow 111, to fill in, refine, complete orotherwise improve Consumption Feed 104. In some embodiments, the amountor degree of such improvements may depend on current Media Depthassociated with the data analyzed and evaluated from data flow 109. Forexample, remote unit 105 may provide that data necessary, or at anecessary rate, to maintain an optimal data distribution in a local fileor Consumption Feed stored or delivered by local control unit 103. Suchdata distributions according to Media Depth are discussed in greaterdetail below, in reference to FIG. 2 . Some of the data flow 111 may bedirectly combined with data from the local file and/or presented ormanifest in Consumption Feed 104—updating, completing or otherwiseimproving the consumed media or manifestation of the media. However, ifremote unit 105 determines that there is an error in the local file, orthat the local file or control unit will benefit from updates,gap-filling or other changes (including, in some embodiments, hardwarechanges that may be directed or carried out by remote unit 105), thencommands, data delivery, rebuilding or other actions may be carried outwith respect to local disk 106 and local control unit 103, as shown byflow arrow 113. In addition, and preferably after data supplementationflow 111, remote unit 105 carries out more minor corrections to dataprovided in the consumption feed to the user, as shown by data flowarrow 115. If more serious errors are present, however—such as largescratches that interfere with proper play of the consumption feed—insome embodiments, data flow 115 may take an equal or higher priority incomparison to flow 111. Finally, remote unit 105 may update the dataprovided to the user in the Consumption Feed. For example, if a formatquality update has become available (such as an increased videoresolution level), the remote unit may instruct the local unit toreplace lower resolution data with higher resolution data according toan update, as shown in data flow arrow 117. In some embodiments, theupdate data may be provided with reference to the existing data on thelocal disk. For example, if the local disk defines a particular pixel ata lower resolution, the updated data may define several new pixels inreference to the qualities of the pixel replaced. In this way, theupdate may be provided in a faster, more efficient manner and provide asmoother experience for the consumer.

If remote unit 105 determines that an error has occurred, and issues acorrection to local disk 106, it may also, or local control unit 103may, restore the file or a part comprising the erroneous file section,in a new area, to reduce the risk of a repeated data corruption fromhardware or environmental factors at the previous location.

FIG. 2 is a side view of parts of data storage hardware elements 201with error-eliminating cross-checking sub-elements 203, in accordancewith aspects of the present invention. To reduce the need for remoteunits correcting local files as set forth above, a new form of datastorage element 201 comprises smaller, deep storage sub elements 203.Elements 201 also comprise main storage areas 205. As shown in thefigure, elements 201 may be scanned or written in any of five distinctways by three read/write heads 207 that may pass above and below asubstrate 209 in which elements 201 are embedded. First, the mainstorage areas 205 may be written in a way similar to conventional databit writing in digital media. For example, a magnetizable domain withinmain storage area 205 may be magnetized as either a “1” or “0,” as indigital compact disks or hard disks. To accomplish that writing event,head 211 may conduct a majority or all of the writing activity, and,owing to its proximity to area 205, selectively write only that area,and not areas 203 in the left-most element 201. Similarly, to read orwrite bits within sub-elements 203 of the left-most element 201, heads213 and 215 may selectively read and write the left and rightsub-elements, respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the main storage areas 205 provide primaryencoding for data files recorded in the media of which elements 201 area part. Sub-elements 203, by contrast, provide remote double-redundant,distributed confirmatory cross-checking for other, preferably maximallydistant elements 201, from both the element cross-checked and from eachother. For example, if there are 17,064 elements 201 in a circularstorage media, and the left-most element 201 in the figure is at serialposition 5,688, its main storage area 205 may be confirmed by anerror-checking control system, such as the exemplary control systemprovided below in reference to FIG. 15 , by matching coding in theleft-most sub-element of an element 201 in position 11,376 and theright-most sub-element of an element 201 in position 17,064, as oneoptimally-distributed arrangement for that element. Thus, if the encodedbit in main storage area 205 of the left-most element 201 of the figuredisagrees with both of those cross-checking sub-elements, a controlsystem may re-write that main storage area as in error. If only one ofthe sub-elements disagrees with the cross-checked main storage, however,the disagreeing sub-element may be re-written to match the main storageelement and provide a more accurate cross-reference in the future. Anyelement or sub-element that repeatedly is found to be in error may beretired from use by the control system, or disregarded and, as mentionedabove, areas of a media device determined to have errors, or repeatederrors, may be avoided in the future for storing the correction to theerror(s) and/or other data.

FIG. 3 is a graph 300 depicting an exemplary density distribution curve301 of stored data corresponding with final output or ManifestationUnits or other measures for a computer data file, as a function of theMedia Depth (which may be defined, at least in part, by a probabilityand/or imminence of access), for example, for a specialized local fileof the nature discussed with reference to FIG. 1 , above. As mentionedin reference to FIG. 1 , a Consumption Feed may be delivered to a userwhile various error-checking, updates and supplementation activities arecarried out by a commonly-networked remote control unit. Because thoseerror-checking, updates and supplementation activities take time toexecute, they ideally will relate more greatly to media not immediatelyneeded in the consumption feed delivered to the user. As a result, ahigh data density, and, preferably, complete data, is present for fileaspects, such as Manifestation Units, so immediately needed by the localcontrol system or Consumption Feed. Likewise, Manifestation Units orother file aspects not immediately needed, but with a low Media Depth,are present at a relatively high data density in curve 301. Errorcorrections, gap-filling, updates and other improvements may bedelivered from a remote control system to the local control system orConsumption Feed to maintain curve 301, in real time as data storage inthe local file and Consumption Feed be impacted by the progress of theConsumption Feed, to optimize the probability of providing ahigh-quality Consumption Feed and other factors (such as networkconnection speed and system resources). The curve presented as 301 thusdemonstrates a greater data density per unit (on the Y axis) of contentdelivered in a consumption feed for aspects of the file or ManifestationUnits fed to the user initially, and likely to be served sooner thanothers (the media depth measure plotted against the x axis). However, aminimum level of data density is shown as floor 303, which may berequired as a minimum structure for organizing the file aspects andbasing supplementation, for any locus of the file, depending upon theembodiment.

In addition, a remote control unit may also deliver data according tooptimal speeds based on its own system resources, network speed, orlocal control system resources. For example, if network speed reduce andprior sent data fails to fulfill curve 301 for the local data file andConsumption Feed, a greater amount or rate of data may be sent, or lowerresolution data may be sent, to the local control unit and/orConsumption Feed.

FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram depicting exemplary reference mediadata storage steps 400 that may be carried out by a control system, orcombination of control systems, implementing exemplary programming,methodology and other aspects of the present invention. An exemplarycontrol system, which may be used to implement the various steps 400,and other aspects of the invention, is provided in FIG. 15 and therelated discussion set forth below, among other places. Beginning withstep 401, the control system first takes in a set of data for storage(and other, future use) by the control system. Rather than simply storebits directly representing the data in media, as will become clear inthe following discussion, the control system may construct patternmatching and other relationships between the data taken in and areference media device or file. Such reference media devices or filesmay take on a wide variety of forms, several of which are discussed inadditional figures, below. Turning back to the present figure, thecontrol system next performs a rough scan of the data set or other grouptaken in for recording and future use, in step 403. At this point, thecontrol system may proceed to simultaneously perform two parallelprocesses: (1) a large-scale pattern-matching process, treated on theleft-hand side of the figure; and (2) a small-scale library-buildingprocess, on the right-hand side of the figure. These and other processesare set forth in detail below.

Beginning with the large-scale pattern-matching process, in step 407,the control system first assesses the largest possible scalepattern-matching or other relationships between the reference mediadevice/file and the data set that has been taken in. These potential“macro” level matches and other relationships are preferably roughly butrapidly assessed initially, and may be of limited use by the controlsystem in reducing needed conventional analog or digital media datastorage. A potential further match and benefit, however, may also betentatively assessed at this large-scale, in step 409. In oneembodiment, in optional step 411, the rapidly-acquired, rough matchesand other relationships, may be recorded by the control system, andimplemented on an interim basis while further steps are carried out, asset forth below. In any event, in step 413, the control system thenproceeds to decrease the level/scale of its pattern-matching activity toseek matches and other relationships between smaller patterns (by ascale adjustment factor or other interval that may be pre-set orselected by the control system) in the reference media device or fileand the data taken in by the control system in step 401. In step 415,the control system then assesses the potential benefits and otherresults of the newly-defined matches and other relationships establishedat the smaller scale selected. The data storage space required, andother efficiencies, of defining and storing the data taken in bypatterns at all scales assessed thus far may then be compared, and apotential score may be determined and recorded for applying a variety ofdifferent patterns discovered and applied by the control system, in step417. The control system may then again decrease the size of the patternsreviewed and applied to the data taken in, in step 419, repeating steps413-417 to smaller-scale patterns at further decreasing intervals. At aparticular cycle of these steps 413-417, the control system may reach aminimum pattern size, below which the control system will not continueits pattern-matching and other relationship construction activities insteps 413-417. At that stage, a wide variety of possible matches,comparisons and other relationships will have been constructed, eachrequiring a different level of processing resources and conventionaldisk space to record the relationships (for example, by mathematicalfunctions comparing the pattern and corresponding recorded data takenin). If exact pattern matches are found between the data taken in andthe reference media device or file in steps 421 and 423, those matchesmay be given priority, or a rebuttably presumed priority, in step 425for storage by reference. Scores for pattern-matching and otherrelationships (other than exact matches) may again be generated, inlight of the data already recorded by exact matches, in step 427. Thosescores may be further tested, and the most optimal combination of directdata storage and storage of data by defining relationships (between thereference media device or file and the data taken in) may be assessedand selected in step 429. The control system then records the dataaccording to that assessed optimal combination, storing some data bydirect, conventional methods, as may be optimal, in step 431. In step433, further optimizations may be directed by the control system,depending on the results of the library building and small-scale patternmatching set forth on the right-hand side of the figure.

On the right-hand side of the figure, the simultaneous small-scalelibrary-building and pattern matching process begins with step 435, inwhich the control system initiates the smallest scale pattern discoveryfrom the reference media device or file. As will be explained in greaterdetail in other figures, below, some reference media devices or filesmay comprise an intentionally-created lexicon of a wide variety ofsimple shapes, textures, symbols and other small-scale features, whileothers comprise simply random features, which may be more difficult forthe control system to discover and construct matches and otherrelationships to utilize. If structures similar to such small-scalepatterns from the reference media device or file repeat frequently inthe data taken in, such patterns may be selected as “terms” to form thesmall-scale library for relationship definition and data recording basedon those relationships, in step 437 and 439. Terms and other patternsmay be used by the control system to represent mathematical functions orapproximations thereof, in addition to real-world pattern matches, eachof which may be optimized and corrected with references and adjustmentsto each such pattern recorded in conventional media. Patterns generatingmore efficiency, by aiding in defining and recording more data, may alsobe preferentially defined as such “terms” in step 439. As in steps413-419 on the left-hand side process, the control system may change thescale (this time, seeking patterns with increased size by a particularinterval) and record interim results in several rounds of steps 441 and443, until reaching a maximum size and proceeding to step 445. In step445, the control system again may select and eliminate terms dependingon an assessment of optimal combinations, accurately recording the datain terms of relationships with the reference media device or file, inlight of other pattern matching and relationships, and conventionalmedia, then available for such recording. Based on that optimizationanalysis, the control system may then build a more definitive library ofsmall-scale terms to be used by the control system in recording andusing the data taken in in terms of the reference media device or file,in step 447. The control system then so records the data in terms of theoptimal pattern matching and other relationships in step 449, andproceeds to steps 431 et seq. After completing all steps, the controlsystem may return to the starting position, and repeat all steps 400 fornew data sets taken in by the control system. In addition, in someembodiments, the control system may re-write parts of the referencemedia device or files to build greater efficiency in pattern matchingand other relationship building as discussed above. For example, if aterm or large-scale pattern differs in a consistent way from data takenin in step 401, historically, the control system may modify the term orpattern to better match that historical experience.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary series of increasingly large and complexpatterns 501, as may be included in a reference media device 500 usedfor facilitating data storage and access, in accordance with aspects ofthe present invention. The exact patterns selected are exemplary, notexclusive, of the many different forms and types of such patterns. Asmentioned elsewhere in this application, 3-dimensional, numerical, andother attributes and attribute patterns may be also be used to carry outaspects of the invention, although 2-dimensional patterns are depictedas examples in the present figure. A reference media device may beaccessed by a control system locally, or remotely via a communicationsconnection (such as a network) via specific addressing and protocols tolocate and access the reference media device and, in some embodiments,features and aspects of the reference media device, examples of whichare discussed herein. The series of patterns provided in FIG. 5 increasein complexity and complexity of type left-to-right and top-to-bottom,but, in other examples, the patterns may be otherwise organized andidentifiable, or even randomly arranged or identifiable. For example, atop row 503 of pattern series 501 begins with a sub-series of2-dimensional lines 505. The first of these, line 507, is arranged as asimple vertical line. Further right in the series, line 509 is aslightly more complex line for some systems to manage, because it is atan angle relative to the vertical and horizontal axis. Further still tothe right, a slightly more complex arrangement of intersecting lines,also at an angle relative to the vertical and horizontal axis, is shownas 511. In a particular embodiment useful for general data storage, theseries may continue on to the right, as demonstrated by seriescontinuation ellipsis 514 but, for the sake of simplifying the exampleand enhancing explanation, a larger series of increasingly complexstraight line arrangements is not explicitly shown.

Progressing downward through the series 501, a second row down 513 ofpatterns of an increased complexity type (namely, curved lines) isdepicted. As with row 503, instances of such patterns iterate to theright in row 513 by increasing complexity. Curve 515, furthest to theleft, is a partial, circular curve, and the simplest in the row. Morecomplex curves, such as 517 and 519, appear to the right within row 503.As with row 503, and all other rows of patterns shown in FIG. 5 maycontinue further to the right, a shown by ellipses 520. In addition,additional rows, other than the rows explicitly shown, may be present,but are omitted from the figure to simplify the discussion. Exemplaryareas where such rows may intercede in series 501 are demonstrated byellipses 521. Continuing downward through the series, rows ofincreasingly complex types (such as complete rectilinear shapes in row523, ovals in row 533, curve/rectilinear combination shapes in 543, andrough body outlines in row 553) are shown. Each of those rows, as withrows 503 and 513, may include pattern instances of increasingcomplexity, progressing from left-to-right through them.

As explained above, a control system may assess matches and build otherrelationships between a data set taken in and patterns of a referencemedia device 500. In some embodiments, where a control system storesdata of a particular type suited to relationship building based on theparticular patterns present in device 500 (for example, data includingimage files), the purposeful inclusion of 2-dimensional patterns of thetypes and varieties given in FIG. 5 may be particularly useful.Furthermore, the arrangement of patterns by increasing complexity mayaid a control system in scanning and accessing patterns in the set, forexample, by identifying the most useful direction for scanning toidentify patterns with which to match or otherwise create relationshipswith particular data taken in by the control system. In otherembodiments, however, a more explicit pattern identification andretrieval system (such as serial encoding or tagging) may be used, inaddition or instead of exploring the series according to its arrangementof increasing complexity.

In some embodiments of the invention, the particular patterns, shapes orother attributes accessed from a reference media may be themselveswritten or modified or re-written by the control system, in order tooptimize building relationships according to historical or projectedexperience with data saving, and according to present storage needs (andin light of new data intake). For example, if a given angled linepattern, such as 509, is found to deviate significantly from another,similar angled line present in stored data or data taken in, or anaverage such stored line or, and especially, a repeated similar angledline present in stored data or data taken in, then angled line 509 maybe modified to reflect that line present in the stored data or datataken in. The greater direct relationships thus may aid the controlsystem in more efficiently storing data according to such relationships.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary random pattern of magnetic bubble memorydomains 601, as may be present in a reference media device 600 used forfacilitating data storage and access, in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention. Unlike the patterns set forth in FIG. 5 , above, themagnetic bubble domains of FIG. 6 are not manifested in discrete unitsor by ascending complexity in any particular direction. Instead, theyoccur in more continuous, overlapping, and interrelated features,including domain centers, such as the examples shown as 603, and linesof separation, such as the examples shown as 605, within device 600.While domains 601 do not necessarily increase in size, complexity orother wise change character in a particular direction across or throughdevice 600, the random patterns that they exhibit nonetheless includeuniquely identifiable and definable attributes. As a result, a controlsystem, such as the control system set forth in reference to FIG. 15 ,below, can be used to carry out aspects of the present invention setforth for reference media, such as the steps set forth above inreference to FIG. 4 . Briefly, the control system may scan, identify anddefine various attributes and features as large-scale (macro) patternsand small-scale library terms, construct defining relationships betweenthem and data taken in by the system, and optimize those patterns andterms. As part of that process, the control system may generate anaddress, for example, in conventional data storage material, based onthe pattern and/or locus of the defined patterns and terms, which may beincluded within those defined relationships.

Although the patterns of domains 601 are random or pseudo-random innature, a control system may again overwrite or otherwise modify suchpatterns in light of experience with data taken in and stored withreference to them, to optimize the efficiency and utility of device 600and the control system in storing new and previously stored data. Forexample, the domains may be written into a form such as that shown inFIG. 7 , below, to optimize usage of media device 600. If therelationships built by the control system, such as matching patterns andterms with aspects of data taken in, is incomplete or inaccurate, thesystem may fill in gaps and define corrections to the relationships inconventional media. However, in some embodiments including thesupplementation media aspects discussed above, this correctingdefinition in conventional media is not completely done and insteadomitted, at least in part, to build a data density distributionaccording to Media Depth. In other words, for data stored by a localcontrol system implementing the supplementation aspects of the presentinvention, the local control system may conduct such correctingdefinition in conventional media more completely for data that is moreimmediately needed, more probably needed, or otherwise exhibiting a lowmedia depth.

The precise size, pattern types, material and other aspects of magneticbubble domain media device 600 are exemplary only, and not exhaustive ofthe many different forms that may be used to implement aspects of thepresent invention. The magnetic bubble domain media device 600 is oneform and example of the lowest level control-system ascertainablefeatures of a device being used to identify patterns and buildrelationships in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Thescale and resolution of magnetic domains is such that the scale of thefigure may be on the order of 100 micrometers per inch, which should bethe assumed scale of FIGS. 6 and 7 , but any practical scale formagnetic bubble memory domains may, alternatively, be used inembodiments using them. Much larger scale features and patterns withinmedia and stored files may also be used to implement aspects of thepresent invention, as set forth, for example, with reference to FIGS. 4,8-10 and 12-14 .

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary series of increasingly large and complexpatterns of magnetic bubble memory domains 701, as may be included in areference media device 700 used for facilitating data storage andaccess, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. As such,the exemplary patterns are similar in nature to the patterns depicted inFIG. 5 , above, but are formed in the more limited possible descriptionby small-scale features of magnetic bubble domains and, therefore,somewhat simpler in form. As with FIG. 6 , above, the magnetic bubbledomain media device 700 is one form and example of the lowest levelcontrol-system ascertainable features of a device being used to identifypatterns and build relationships in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention. Because the particular discrete patterns, such asthose examples shown as 700, 705, 709, 711 704 and 743, may be scanned,interpreted, used to make matches and build other relationships withdata taken in by the control system, they may be used in a similarmatter to the similar patterns set forth with respect to FIG. 5 . Toease understanding of the invention, the patterns of the same type andwith similar aspects, and the rows and ellipses set forth in FIGS. 5 and7 share the same latter two digits in their drawing elementidentification numbers.

FIG. 8 depicts another exemplary random pattern of a reference media orfile used for facilitating data storage and access, in accordance withaspects of the present invention. In this instance, the random pattern800 is shown as an output image 801 (for example, as may be output froma corresponding JPEG file encoding the image shown). The patterndepicted is generally a form of visual “white noise,” similar in natureto what may be viewed in an instant when watching a television set tunedto a frequency with no programming. As a result, the television depictsthe random pattern of television waves present at such a frequency (fromcosmic background radiation). Nonetheless, the random file patterndepicted in FIG. 8 may be used productively as a reference media or filein accordance with aspects of the present invention set forth above.More specifically, unique patterns, shapes, pixel, and colorrelationships may be identified and defined, to build a library ofdata-matching (or otherwise relatable) terms, as set forth above withrespect to FIG. 4 . As discussed above, a control system, such as theexemplary control system set forth below, in FIG. 15 , may define andoptimize a granular feature library and create larger level patternmatches with respect to input and recorded data. As one example, if animage file of a person's foot is being input and recorded, a generallyfoot-shaped pattern 803 may be determined to be an optimal match fordefining and recording the image input image file in relation to it. Thecontrol unit may then define differences from, scale and location offeatures of the input file in relation to the pattern 803.

FIG. 9 is a portion of view 9 described in FIG. 8 , above, enlarged formagnification purposes, and showing a random small-scale pattern with nofurther structure than that depicted in FIG. 8 . As with other randompatterns in media discussed in this application, these smaller structurerandom patterns may be used by a control system to define terms andother matches and relationships for storing additional data and,although non-random small-scale patterns are not initially provided, asystem may define and create such non-random small-scale patterns, inlight of experience and projected experience with data being stored,while maintaining larger random patterns and using them for addressingor structure or matching, or similarly constructing new larger patterns.

FIG. 10 is a portion of view 10 described in FIG. 8 , above, enlargedfor magnification purposes, and showing a non-random small-scale pattern1001 with an embedded structure of greater complexity than that viewablein FIG. 8 . More specifically, a library of distinct shapes and symbols,such as those examples shown as 1003, is visible on that small scale inFIG. 10 . For example, a sunburst shape 1005 may be seen. Thus, inaccordance with the figure, an embodiment of a reference media or fileused for facilitating data storage and access such as that depicted inFIG. 8 may include an embedded small-scale structure withpurposefully-created, optimized or otherwise useful non-randomattributes. Those attributes may then serve as a library, or librarysource, for comparisons and terms, as may be carried out by a controlsystem implementing aspects of the present invention—for example, a setforth in reference to FIG. 4 . In a preferred embodiment, such asmall-scale structure and such attributes are selected to optimize usageof the reference media and file in a particular likely scenario (orscenarios) of use for the computer using the reference media. Thatlikely scenario (or scenarios) can be modified by the control systembased on experience, causing some library terms to be discarded, whilestill others are created, to optimize use in the context of particulardata used by the control system. In some embodiments, the small (orlarge scale) library and comparison patterns may be taken, or created inreaction to, input data and input data types (and their frequency) tooptimize the reference media or file.

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary random sequence 1101 of binary digits, suchas the examples shown as 1103, as may be present in a reference media orfile used for facilitating data storage and access, in accordance withaspects of the present invention. As with the random patterns used in areference media or file set forth in FIGS. 6 and 8 , the random numbersequence 1101, although randomly generated, may nonetheless be used by acontrol system implementing aspects of the present invention to build alibrary of data-matching (or otherwise relatable) terms, andlarger-scale pattern matching, as set forth above with respect to FIG. 4, with reference to input data recorded by the control system. Also, thepattern of random digits may be altered or augmented to establish moreoptimal, storage space efficiencies, based on the control unit'shistorical experience with data sets, or based on expected experiencewith data sets, as also discussed above. Multiple reference media filesmay be used, with different media pattern types manifest in each, insome embodiments, and the system may use numerical or physical patternsadvantageously for different purposes. For example, a numerical patternsignifying repeating relationships, fractal patterns, or golden ratiosmay, at times, more efficiently represent data than a physically writtenpattern. In such instances, the control system may select or embed sucha numerical pattern within the numerical reference media file, whileusing a physically patterned reference media file to relate with otheraspects of the data taken in by the control system.

FIG. 12 depicts a non-random image 1201 of a reference media or fileused for facilitating data storage and access, in accordance withaspects of the present invention. As with the random patterns discussedwith reference to FIGS. 6, 8 and 11 , above, non-random unique patterns,shapes, pixel, and color relationships may be identified and defined, tobuild a library of data-matching (or otherwise relatable) terms, as setforth above with respect to FIG. 4 . In fact, such patterns, shapes andother relationships may be easier for the control system to identify anduse in facilitating data storage in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention, if taken from similar or otherwise related data tothat being stored by the control system.

FIG. 13 is a portion of view 13 described in FIG. 12 , above, enlargedfor magnification purposes, and showing a random small-scale patternwith no further structure than that depicted in FIG. 12 . As with otherrandom patterns in media discussed in this application, these smallerstructure random patterns may be used by a control system to defineterms and other matches and relationships for storing additional dataand, although non-random small-scale patterns are not initiallyprovided, a system may define and create such non-random small-scalepatterns, in light of experience and projected experience with databeing stored, while maintaining larger random patterns and using themfor addressing or structure or matching, or similarly constructing newlarger patterns.

FIG. 14 is a portion of view 14 described in FIG. 12 , above, enlargedfor magnification purposes, and showing a non-random small-scale pattern1001 with an embedded structure of greater complexity than that viewablein FIG. 12 . As with the non-random small-scale pattern depicted in FIG.10 , a library of distinct shapes and symbols, such as those examplesshown as 1403, is visible on that small scale in FIG. 14 , and may beused and modified by a control system in defining optimal library termsand creating pattern matches, such as those discussed with reference toFIG. 4 , above.

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of some elements of an exemplarycontrol system 1500 that may be used in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention, such as, but not limited to implementing data storageand supplementation. The generic and other components and aspectsdescribed herein are not exhaustive of the many different systems andvariations, including a number of possible hardware aspects andmachine-readable media that might be used, in accordance with thepresent invention. Rather, the system 1500 is described to make clearhow aspects may be implemented. Among other components, the system 1500includes an input/output device 1501, a memory device 1503, storagemedia and/or hard disk recorder and/or cloud storage port or connectiondevice 1505, and a processor or processors 1507. The processor(s) 1507is (are) capable of receiving, interpreting, processing and manipulatingsignals and executing instructions for further processing and foroutput, pre-output or storage in and outside of the system. Theprocessor(s) 1507 may be general or multipurpose, single- ormulti-threaded, and may have a single core or several processor cores,including, but not limited to, microprocessors. Among other things, theprocessor(s) 1507 is/are capable of processing signals and instructionsfor the input/output device 1501, analog receiver/storage/converterdevice 1519, analog in/out device 1521, and/or analog/digital or othercombination apparatus 1523 to cause a display, light-affecting apparatusand/or other user interface with active physical controls, such asindicator buttons and displays, and control actuation monitoringhardware, any of which may be comprised or partially comprised in a GUI,to be provided for use by a user on hardware, such as a specializedpersonal computer, media console, monitor or PDA (Personal DigitalAssistant) or control unit screen (including, but not limited to,monitors or touch- and gesture-actuable displays) or a terminal monitorwith a mouse and keyboard or other input hardware and presentation andinput software (as in a software application GUI), and/or other physicalcontrols, such as a button, knob or LEDs for determining applianceconditions or statuses or related circuit or other characteristics.Alternatively, or in addition, the system, using processors 1507 andinput/output devices 1519, 1521 and/or 1523, may accept and exertpassive and other physical (e.g., tactile) user, power supply, applianceoperation, user activity, circuit and environmental input (e.g., fromsensors) and output.

For example, and in connection with aspects of the invention discussedin reference to the remaining figures, the system may carry out anyaspects of the present invention as necessary with associated hardwareand/or using specialized software, including, but not limited to,controlling a supplementation-based data storage device with a referencemedia or file, controlling the provision of a Content Feed, andaddressing errors and updates with a control unit and/or network. Thesystem may also, among many other things described for control systemsin this application, respond to user, sensor and other input (forexample, by a user-actuated GUI controlled by computer hardware andsoftware or by another physical control) to issue alerts, altersettings, control data storage, correction, augmentation andsupplementation, or perform any other aspect of the invention requiringor benefiting from use of a control system. The system 1501 maycommunicate with another control system, similar in nature to system1501, and control and be controlled by such a control system, and maypermit the user and/or system-variation of settings, including but notlimited to the affects of user activity and usage history on modes ofoperation of the system, and send external alerts and othercommunications (for example, to users or other administrators) viaexternal communication devices, for any control system and control unitaspect that may require or benefit from such external orsystem-extending communications.

The processor(s) 1507 is/are capable of processing instructions storedin memory devices 1503 and/or 1505 (and/or ROM or RAM), and maycommunicate with any of these, and/or any other connected component, viasystem buses 1575. Input/output device 1501 is capable of input/outputoperations for the system, and may include/communicate with any numberof input and/or output hardware, such as a computer mouse, keyboard,entry pad, actuable display, networked or connected second computer orprocessing device, control unit, other GUI aspects, camera(s) orscanner(s), sensor(s), sensor/motor(s), actuable electronic components(with actuation instruction receiving and following hardware), RFantennas, other radiation or electrical characteristics reading,monitoring, storage and transmission affecting hardware, as discussed inthis application, range-finders, GPS systems, receiver(s),transmitter(s), transceiver(s), transflecting transceivers(“transflecters” or “transponders”), antennas, electromagneticactuator(s), mixing board, reel-to-reel tape recorder, external harddisk recorder (solid state or rotary), additional hardware controls(such as, but not limited to, buttons and switches, and actuators,current or potential applying contacts and other transfer elements,light sources, speakers, additional video and/or sound editing system orgear, filters, computer display screen or touch screen. It is to beunderstood that the input and output of the system may be in any useableform, including, but not limited to, signals, data,commands/instructions and output for presentation and manipulation by auser in a GUI. Such a GUI hardware unit and other input/output devicescould, among other things, implement a user interface created bymachine-readable means, such as software, permitting the user to carryout any of the user settings, commands and input/output discussed above,and elsewhere in this application.

1501, 1503, 1505, 1507, 1519, 1521 and 1523 are connected and able tocommunicate communications, transmissions and instructions via systembusses 1575. Storage media and/or hard disk recorder and/or cloudstorage port or connection device 1505 is capable of providing massstorage for the system, and may be a computer-readable medium, may be aconnected mass storage device (e.g., flash drive or other driveconnected to a U.S.B. port or Wi-Fi) may use back-end (with or withoutmiddle-ware) or cloud storage over a network (e.g., the internet) aseither a memory backup for an internal mass storage device or as aprimary memory storage means, and/or may be an internal mass storagedevice, such as a computer hard drive or optical drive.

Generally speaking, the system may be implemented as a client/serverarrangement, where features of the invention are performed on a remoteserver, networked to the client and facilitated by software on both theclient computer and server computer. Input and output devices maydeliver their input and receive output by any known means ofcommunicating and/or transmitting communications, signals, commandsand/or data input/output, including, but not limited to, input throughthe devices illustrated in examples shown as 1517, such as 1509, 1511,1513, 1515, 1576 and 1577 and any other devices, hardware or otherinput/output generating and receiving aspects—e.g., a PDA networked tocontrol a control unit 677 with the aid of specialized software (a.k.a.a “PDA Application” or “App.”). Any phenomenon that may be sensed may bemanaged, manipulated and distributed and may be taken or converted asinput or output through any sensor or carrier known in the art. Inaddition, directly carried elements (for example a light stream taken byfiber optics from a view of a scene) may be directly managed,manipulated and distributed in whole or in part to enhance output, andradiation or whole ambient light or other radio frequency (“RF”)information for an environmental region may be taken by a photovoltaicapparatus for battery cell recharging, or sensor(s) dedicated to anglesof detection, or an omnidirectional sensor or series of sensors whichrecord direction as well as the presence of electromagnetic or otherradiation. While this example is illustrative, it is understood that anyform of electromagnetism, compression wave or other sensory phenomenonmay become such an “ambient power” source harnessed to power theoperations of a control unit and/or control system and/or may includesuch sensory directional and 3D locational or otheroperations-identifying information, which may also be made possible bymultiple locations of sensing, preferably, in a similar, if notidentical, time frame. The system may condition, select all or part of,alter and/or generate composites from all or part of such direct oranalog image or other sensory transmissions, including physical samples(such as DNA, fingerprints, iris, and other biometric samples or scans)and may combine them with other forms of data, such as image files,dossiers, appliance-identifying files, or operations-relevantrecordings, or metadata, if such direct or data encoded sources areused.

While the illustrated system example 1500 is helpful to understand theimplementation of aspects of the invention, it should be understood thatany form of computer system may be used to implement many control systemand other aspects of the invention—for example, a simpler computersystem containing just a processor (datapath and control) for executinginstructions from a memory or transmission source. The aspects orfeatures set forth may be implemented with, as alternatives, and/or inany combination, digital electronic circuitry, hardware, software,firmware, or in analog or direct (such as electromagnetic wave-based,physical wave-based or analog electronic, magnetic or directtransmission, without translation and the attendant degradation, of themedium) systems or circuitry or associational storage and transmission,any of which may be aided with enhancing media from external hardwareand software, optionally, by wired or wireless networked connection,such as by LAN, WAN or the many connections forming the internet orlocal networks. The system can be embodied, in part, in atangibly-stored computer program, as by a machine-readable medium andpropagated signal, for execution by a programmable processor. The methodsteps of the embodiments of the present invention also may be performedby such a programmable processor, executing a program of instructions,operating on input and output, and generating output. A computer programincludes instructions for a computer to carry out a particular activityto bring about a particular result, and may be written in anyprogramming language, including compiled and uncompiled, interpretedlanguages, assembly languages and machine language, and can be deployedin any form, including a complete program, module, component,subroutine, or other suitable routine for a computer program.

FIG. 16 is a perspective drawing, depicting aspects of an exemplary datastorage medium 1600, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention. The present figure provides context and a general overview ofsuch a data storage medium, while smaller details are treated in greaterdepth below, in reference to FIGS. 17 and 18 .

Data storage medium 1600 comprises a series of similar data storagesubunits (“data storage unit(s)”), such as the examples pictured as1601, an exemplary readable row of which is shown as data storage unitrow 1603. The data storage subunits 1601 may each include a writabledomain subunit, such as the example shown as 1605, which may be of anysuitable type known in the art, such as magnetic or optical data storagedomains, with or without defined borders. But preferably, writabledomain subunits 1605 are bordered and protected by defined borders (or ahole), such as the example shown as 1607, to protect data integrity andprovide at least some segregated surrounding space for a dataconditioning structure 1609, structured around subunits 1605, whichserves to elaborate and increase the complexity of the data written indomain subunits 1605, as set forth in greater detail below.

As with traditional magnetic or optical storage domains, domain subunits1605 may be cued up and addressed by a head or other subdevice forreading and writing data on a plurality of data storage domains. Forexample, medium 1600 may adjoin or comprise a motorized spindle 1611,connected to a control system, causing the data storage units 1601 (andtheir inherent writeable domain subunits 1605) to be addressed and reador written by a writing head or other data writing subdevice (notpictured).

FIG. 17 is a top view of an exemplary data storage unit 1700, and asurrounding conditioning structure 1701, of the exemplary data storagemedium set forth in FIG. 16 , above. Data storage unit 1700 may be anyof the exemplary data storage units 1601 discussed above, or any othersimilar data storage unit within data storage medium 1600, as discussedin reference to FIG. 16 , above. From the enlarged, overhead view of theexemplary data storage unit 1700, several of the subfeatures of suchdata storage units discussed above can be seen more clearly. Additionalfeatures of data storage units (or, depending on the embodiment, of areading or writing head or other data reading or writing subdevice) canalso be seen.

For example, the writable domain subunit 1605 can be seen, centeredwithin the data storage unit. As mentioned above, a writing head orother data writing subdevice may write data into domain subunit 1605,for example, by selectively magnetizing or inscribing the domain subunit1605 with a magnetized or otherwise (e.g., optically) defined shape,such as the example pictured as 1703. As pictured, written domain shape1703 is a slightly elongated bubble shape, extending from the lowerleft-hand direction, to the upper right-hand direction of the figure.However, it should be understood that other shapes, oriented in anynumber of possible directions, may also, alternatively, be written intodomain 1605. Each such possible alternative shape, which may be selectedand written by a specialized writing head or other data writingsubdevice (e.g., with a rotatable and laterally moveable armatureconnected to a data writing subsection with effective area and accuracyof better than 1% of the area of the domain), may be variously selectedand written into domain 1605 by the control system. And each suchselectable shape may have a particular effect on the surroundingconditioning structure 1701, such that, when conditioning structure 1701is read by a reading subcomponent of the control system (e.g., amagnetic reading head or an optical sensor) a unique new data setresults. As discussed below, in some embodiments, the readingsubcomponent may itself include the conditioning structure, and place itaround domain 1605 during a reading operation only. In this way, thesame (or a more limited set of) conditioning structures may be used bythe system to read many different domains, yielding a wide array of morecomplex, resulting data. As also discussed in greater detail below, theconditioning structure 1701 preferable comprises a patternedconditioning medium that, when used to read a domain, creates a morecomplex set of data (e.g., 4 bits of data, from a domain that, byitself, is inscribed with one bit or a digitally infinite piece ofdata—such as positive or negative for a magnetic digital feature, albeitwith an infinitely varied direction as pictured for shape 1703).However, the system, and the writing head or other data writingsubdevice need not implement the selected shape with knowledge or evenan estimate of what more complex data set will result. For example, ifan optical domain is written by an optical writing head or other datawriting subdevice, the surrounding media 1701 may be opticallytranslucent, with a pattern of divisions or slots that, in conjunctionwith single the band or slot created by the writing head or other datawriting subdevice, yield a number of unique light rays or a interferencebands at a reading area 1705, when read by a reading head or otherreading device. In the example provided, reading area 1705 comprises awindow 1706, through which a reading head or other device placed aboveit can sense a particular charge or visual pattern. With no knowledge ofwhat data set may emerge from such a particular written shape, thecontrol system can test various different options at random or in aprogression by reading the output until it matches a desired reading tobe stored, and/or associating or relating the output with a desiredoutput (e.g., in an externally-stored library). The pattern of divisionsor slots, represented by the pattern of subfeatures shown as 1707, maybe random, pseudo-random, or progressively patterned, varying atdifferent points within conditioning structure 1701. In the example ofmagnetic domains, such a pattern may be with charge concentrations thatinteract with the written domain to yield unique charge characteristicsat multiple points read within area 1705. The examples of magnetic andoptical media are exemplary only, and it will be readily apparent thataspects of the present invention may be applied to any of a wide varietyof possible data storage media domains that, when combined with patternsin such a conditioning structure, conditioning a reading event in theparticular media, yields a more complex data set.

FIG. 18 is a process flow diagram depicting exemplary steps 1800 thatmay be carried out by a control system, or combination of controlsystems, implementing exemplary data elaboration programming,methodology and other aspects of the present invention. Beginning withstep 1801, a control system, such as the control system set forth inreference to FIG. 15 , above, may issue a command to a data writing heador other data writing subdevice (such as any of the possible magnetic oroptical writing subdevices discussed with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17 ,above) to write data to a data storage medium. If so, the control unit(or “C.U.”) then proceeds to step 1803, in which it commands the writinghead or other data writing subdevice to cue up and address an available(unwritten or authorized to be overwritten by the C.U. or a user)storage unit of the storage medium. Such a storage unit may be any ofthe exemplary magnetic or optical data storage units discussed above, inreference to FIGS. 16 and 17 . In optional step 1805, the control unitand/or writing head or other data writing subdevice may make or record acode identifying the position of the storage unit. The control unit maythen proceed to step 1807, in which it summons or cues a specificcomplex data (more complex than the data or datum inscribed by a domain,as set forth above) set to be stored by the storage unit and controlsystem, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Proceedingto step 1809, the control system may inscribe and test, in series, anynumber of possible shapes onto the domain, according to aspects of theinvention set forth above, reading the more complex output data setsseriatim, until the specific complex data set to be stored is yielded bya reading device (e.g., reading the storage unit at the viewing area, asdiscussed above), in step 1811. The control system may then record thedomain shape (or domain shape writing event) yielding the desired dataor simply proceed to the next storage unit to be written, in step 1813.Also optionally, the control system may test the written storage unit byreading it again, in step 1815, to ensure that it has been writtenproperly and securely. If a set of data other than that sought to bewritten is read in this testing step, in step 1817, the control systemmay return to step 1813. Otherwise, the control system/unit may proceedto step 1819, in which it ends the writing event at that storage unit.

The control system may also read the more complex data output by astorage unit, as discussed in steps 1821 et seq. Starting with step1821, the control system may determine whether a data reading commandhas been received, to read data stored in a storage unit. If so, thecontrol system proceeds to step 1823, in which it may cue the positionof the relevant storage unit to be read (as potentially stored at step1805). Proceeding to step 1825, the control unit may use any of the datareading heads or other data reading subdevices discussed above to readthe more complex output of the storage unit. The control system may thenprovide that complex data set for any system operations for which it wasneeded (e.g., in other, short term memory, such as RAM) in step 1827. Aswith steps 1815 and 1817, the control unit optionally may test the datastored in the storage unit again, in case the reading event corruptedthe data stored within it, in steps 1829 and 1831. The control unit maythen correct the data, if so corrupted, in step 1833 through similarwriting steps set forth as 1807 et seq., and/or end the reading event instep 1835, returning to the starting point of process 1800.

FIG. 19 is a process flow diagram depicting exemplary steps 1900 thatmay be carried out by a control system, or combination of controlsystems, implementing exemplary programming, methodology and otheraspects of the present invention related to providing an upgradedexperience of legacy content to a user. Beginning with step 1901, acontrol system, such as the control system set forth in reference toFIG. 15 , above, first scans content recorded on a local data storagedevice of a user (e.g., on a magnetic, optical or other data storagemedium (or media). In some embodiments, the user may be a consumer ofentertainment content, such as a motion picture, video game or music. Insuch embodiments, the user may have a “legacy” form of that content,such as an earlier version of that content, offered some time earlierthan steps 1900 being carried out. In some such cases, the legacy formof the content may be at a lower resolution, and/or an at leastpartially inaccessible and/or degraded form, when compared to anewly-offered version of the content (e.g., by the copyright holder orlicensor). In some embodiments, the control system offers to upgrade,prices an upgrade, and upgrades the content, by providing the content ata more current, higher standard, or otherwise enhanced version of thecontent, based on that form of the content.

For example, in step 1903, the control system compares the legacy formof the content recorded on a local data storage device of a user withthe newly-offered version of the content. For example, the controlsystem may assess a level of degradation of data representing the legacyform of the content (e.g., due to unstable, degrading media). Forexample, the control system may assess a level of random alterations tothe data, negatively affecting the quality of images stored on the localdata storage device of a user (e.g., causing a “mosquito pattern” in theimages, when displayed) based on the number of differences between amore accurately-maintained record of the content, on a remote storagedevice (e.g., an internet server maintained and accessed by the controlsystem over the Internet). As another example, in some embodiments, thecontrol system assesses quality differences between the historicversion, and the newly offered version, of the content. For example, insome embodiments, the control system may assess an age of the historicversion of the content held on the local data storage device of the user(e.g., by matching the content scanned to such a version, and/or byscanning metadata of the historic version), and assess qualitydifferences based thereon. The control system may assess any suchdifferences between the historic version of the content held on thelocal data storage device of the user and the newly offered version, instep 1905. As will be explained below, if no such differences are foundand/or available through the control system, the control system mayproceed to step 1907 et seq. in some embodiments, as will be discussedin greater detail below. If such differences are found, however, thecontrol system may proceed to determine how the historic version of thecontent held on the local data storage device of the user may beupgraded based on the newly offered version (e.g., to more closely matchor even exceed its resolution or other qualities) in example steps 1909and 1911, which will also be discussed in greater detail below.

In some embodiments, the control system may determine that theresolution or other legacy aspects of the content delivered to the useras an experience (e.g., via a monitor and audio speakers, or otherdisplay devices and actuators) can be improved by upgrading them (e.g.,boosting the resolution of the content), in step 1909. In someembodiments, the control system may determine that such a resolutionincrease can be achieved by inserting additional data into data recordedon a storage device of the user. In some embodiments, can be achieved byfiltering, altering or applying an algorithm or additional factor todata recorded on a local data storage device of the user. For example,in some embodiments, a pattern held on structure auxiliary to aread/write device of a control system comprising the user's local datastorage device may be applied to a data set stored on the local datastorage device. In some embodiments, the control system may determinethat the most efficient way to improve the resolution of the contentdelivered to the user as an experience is to completely replace all orpart of the data stored on the local data storage device. In some suchembodiments, the control system determines that the user experience maybe upgraded by so replacing those data with data from the new version ata display or other actuator managed by the control system (e.g.,streaming it to the user for experiencing it). In some such embodiments,the local copy of such data from the new version may deleted afterviewing (e.g., in the event of a rental of the new content by the user.)

In some embodiments, the control system may determine that thealterations due to media degradation, discussed above, can be repairedby filling in higher resolution and/or correcting data, sourced from thenewly-offered version of the content, in step 1911. In some embodiments,however, the control system may determine that the most efficient way torepair the content delivered to the user as an experience is tocompletely replace all or part of the data stored on the local datastorage device. As above, in some such embodiments, the control systemdetermines that the user experience may be improved by so replacingthose data with data from the new version at a display or other actuatormanaged by the control system (e.g., streaming it to the user forexperiencing it). In some such embodiments, the local copy of such datafrom the new version may deleted after viewing (e.g., in the event of arental of the new content by the user.)

If the control system determines that no such upgrades or repairs to thehistoric and/or legacy content can be accomplished, the control systemmay return to the starting position.

If, however, such upgrades or repairs are determined to be possible, thecontrol system may proceed to discover or otherwise determine a pricefor providing such an upgrade or repair to the user, and improving theuser's experience of the content, in step 1913. The control system maythen provide one or more prices, for providing one or more improvementsto the user's experience (e.g., in a graphical user interface throughwhich the user may select, and pay for such improvements. The user maythen elect to pay for, and obtain access to, an improved experience ofan upgraded or repaired content, which the user may elect to pay for(e.g., through selection with tools provided through the userinterface), in step 1915. If the price is paid, the control system mayproceed to step 1917, in which it delivers the improved experience ofthe content to the user.

In some embodiments, additional improvements, other than fixingalterations due to media degradations or upgrading the legacy content,may be similarly assessed, and offered to the user for a price, in steps1919 and 1921. For example, in some embodiments, a user may select newcontent, which may be added to the legacy content (e.g., a wider view,or 3-D version, or video game version with greater interactivity, of amovie) may be provided as an optional delivery to the user. The user maythen similarly pay for and enjoy improved experienced based thereon, insteps 1915 and 1917.

The control system may then return to the starting position.

FIG. 20 is a drawing of an example data storage medium 2000 (such as arecording disc) being read by a reading and writing device 2001,comprising an auxiliary structure 2003. As with other auxiliary datastorage devices set forth in the present application, auxiliarystructure 2001 may comprise or be attached to or connected with anauxiliary reference pattern 2005. As data is read into a temporarymemory, from medium 2000, it may be interpolated with, added to, orfactored with data from paired sections of the referenced pattern 2005,yielding a more robust data set, in some embodiments.

It is within the scope of this invention that medium 2000 is an analoguedata storage medium, and more direct physical reactions (e.g., chemical,electromechanical, physical, optical) interactions between pattern 2005and the data stored on the medium may occur within read/write device2001.

In any event a more complex data set is yielded, via the interaction orinteraction taking place within local data storage device 2006, in someembodiments.

Although the exemplary data storage techniques discussed above haveutilized, by-and-large, magnetic and optical storage media, it will beapparent to those with skill in the art that they are equally applicableto any known and many not yet known data storage media. For example,data storage systems using physical objects, such as punch cards, orchemical signatures, such as D.N.A., may also be used. In thesecontexts, a cascade of physical events or reactions (and patternthereof) leading from the physically or chemically written domain and asurrounding structure of any size, shape or physical pattern may be thesurrounding structure event leading to a more complex data set, yieldedby the physical/mechanical or chemical data storage unit.

I claim:
 1. A device for data storage, comprising: a reading and writingdevice configured to read and write a plurality of portions of a datastorage medium, wherein said plurality of portions of a data storagemedium are configured to be read and written with stored data; and astructure comprised in and/or auxiliary to said reading and writingdevice which reads and reacts with said plurality of portions of a datastorage medium and/or the stored data, after said plurality of portionsof a data storage medium have been written with the stored data, andthereby produces different data than the stored data, from the storeddata; wherein said portions of a data storage medium are writtenaccording to the different data produced from said stored data; andwherein said auxiliary structure comprises a magnetic and/or opticalpattern yielding the different data.
 2. The device for data storage ofclaim 1, wherein said magnetic and/or optical pattern is an opticalpattern.
 3. The device for data storage of claim 1, wherein saidmagnetic and/or optical pattern is a magnetic pattern.
 4. The device fordata storage of claim 1, wherein said plurality of portions of a datastorage medium comprise data storage cells.
 5. The device for datastorage of claim 1, wherein said plurality of portions of a data storagemedium comprise data symbols.
 6. The device for data storage of claim 1,wherein said plurality of portions of a data storage medium comprise ananalog data storage medium.
 7. The device for data storage of claim 1,wherein said pattern is random.
 8. The device for data storage of claim1, wherein said pattern is at least partially non-random.
 9. The devicefor data storage of claim 1, wherein said pattern progressesgeometrically and/or algorithmically.
 10. The device for data storage ofclaim 1, wherein said pattern yields said different data when saidpattern is read according to a geometric progression or according to aknown equation or other expression.
 11. A system for data storage,comprising: a control system, comprising computer software and hardware,including: a reading and writing device configured to read and write aplurality of portions of a data storage medium, wherein said pluralityof portions of a data storage medium are configured to be read andwritten with stored data; and an auxiliary structure which interactswith said plurality of portions of a data storage medium and/or thestored data during a reading of the stored data by said reading andwriting device, and thereby produces different data than said storeddata, from the stored data; wherein said portions of a data storagemedium are written according to the different-data produced from saidstored data; and wherein said auxiliary structure comprises a magneticand/or optical pattern yielding the different data.
 12. The system fordata storage of claim 11, wherein said magnetic and/or optical patternis an optical pattern.
 13. The system data storage of claim 11, whereinsaid magnetic and/or optical pattern is a magnetic pattern.
 14. Thesystem for data storage of claim 11, wherein said plurality of portionsof a data storage medium comprise data storage cells.
 15. The system fordata storage of claim 11, wherein said plurality of portions of a datastorage medium comprise data symbols.
 16. The system for data storage ofclaim 11, wherein said plurality of portions of a data storage mediumcomprise an analog data storage medium.
 17. The system for data storageof claim 11, wherein said pattern is random.
 18. The system for datastorage of claim 11, wherein said pattern is at least partiallynon-random.
 19. The system for data storage of claim 11, wherein saidpattern progresses geometrically and/or algorithmically.
 20. The systemfor data storage of claim 11, wherein said pattern yields said differentdata when said pattern is read according to a geometric progression oraccording to a known equation or other expression.